April, 2016

Last few issues of StitchWorld have been highlighting the gross neglect of technology in garment manufacturing organizations, stressing that there is probably overemphasis on HR and management interventions. The reasons behind technology getting marginalized were cited as lack of knowledgeable experts in technology improvement and additional capital expenditure. For the latest issue, StitchWorld quizzed several experts on specific questions related to the shift. A common challenge faced by the apparel industry on the shop floor is the production of goods in excess of demand, and production of goods earlier than required. The ‘lean’ term that we use to describe this manifestation is ‘Overproduction’, which can be avoided by using Kanban (Production and Withdrawal) cards in conjunction with Supermarkets. Kanban ensures that the entire production system becomes reflexive and follows the principles of a Pull System. This edition illustrates the concept of a Pull System, Application of Kanban and Supermarkets between Cutting and Sewing, and Setting up of Supermarket between Cutting Room and Sewing Floor. The April 2016 issue also features a roundup of technology and market dynamics at the recently concluded Garment Technology Expo (GTE) 2016. Thronged by the exporters as well as domestic market manufacturers, and small-scale suppliers as well as representatives from big names of the industry, insights into market and technology dynamics were galore.